Leaving a Positive Impact on the Environment and your Home

Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time to start spring cleaning! While cleaning your house, home, or tiny space is important, it’s also essential to consider the impact it has on the environment. From the cleaning products we use to the items we choose to dispose of, there are plenty of ways to make our spring-cleaning routine more eco-friendly. Here are some great cleaning tips and tricks that can make a positive impact on the environment.

Use eco-friendly cleaning products

The cleaning products we use can have a significant impact on the environment. Many conventional cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can harm aquatic life, contribute to air pollution, and pose health risks to humans and animals alike. Switching to eco-friendly cleaning products can help reduce these negative impacts. Look for products that are biodegradable, non-toxic, and made from natural ingredients – or even make your own! You’d be surprised at how magical and versatile white vinegar and baking soda is.

Donate or recycle unwanted items

Spring cleaning often involves getting rid of items we no longer need or use, or, in my case, clothes that no longer fit me since Christmas… Instead of throwing these items away, consider donating, recycling, or regifting them. Donating items can help reduce waste and benefit those in need. Recycling items like electronics, paper, and plastics can help reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. And I’m sure one of your besties would just *love* to have that super cute sundress that no longer fits properly! 

Clean and maintain appliances

Cleaning and maintaining appliances can help reduce energy consumption, which is great for the environment and great for saving you money. Cleaning refrigerator coils, changing air filters, and descaling coffee makers are just a few examples of routine maintenance tasks that can help improve appliance efficiency. Diluted white vinegar is great for cleaning out coffee makers while a dab of baby oil on a microfiber cloth makes stainless steel appliances shine like showroom models once more.

Reusable cleaning supplies

Instead of using disposable cleaning supplies like paper towels and cleaning wipes, consider using reusable alternatives. Microfiber cloths, for example, are washable and can be used multiple times. Swiffer-style mops can also be used with reusable cloths instead of disposable ones. And stretched out socks make the perfect replacement for anything that would normally be cleaned with paper towels! 

Choose natural air fresheners

Many conventional air fresheners contain synthetic fragrances that can be harmful to the environment and human health. Instead, opt for natural air fresheners like essential oils or fresh plants. Diluted white vinegar spray may not smell the best at first, but it works wonders at removing unpleasant odors from the air. Baking soda sprinkled on fabrics and vacuumed up afterwards is great for removing stinky situations, too. 

Cleaning your Cuddy

For those living the vanlife dream, cleaning your composting toilet Cuddy is just as easy and eco-friendly as the aforementioned. Using a homemade spray of diluted vinegar or any biodegradable cleaner whenever things get dirty is always a good idea. Adding a cup of food grade diatomaceous earth inside the solids bin can help keep any odors or pesky fruit flies at bay. And twice a year, Cuddy’s hinges should be wiped clean and sprayed with WD-40 to keep things in perfect working order. Odor order. Ha!     

All in all, spring cleaning is a great opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment. By using eco-friendly cleaning products and supplies, donating or recycling unwanted items, maintaining appliances, and choosing natural air fresheners, you can reduce your carbon footprint while contributing to a cleaner, healthier planet and homebase. Let’s make this spring cleaning season not just about tidying up our homes and our lives, but also about making a positive impact on the environment!